As Jasmine crouched on the ground, utterly drained and in despair, they all heard a distinctive crunching sound, accompanied by the rattle of loose stones. To their surprise, a voice suddenly spoke close beside her.
"Ho, ho! Well, well! Look who's here, my dear cousin! How's it going for you in this... uh, interesting spot?" Oliver's voice was full of malicious amusement as he greeted Jasmine.
She opened her eyes, terror gripping her, and was met with his ghastly look. The question that raced through her mind was how he had managed to find her in this remote treacherous place.
"I had a feeling," he continued, his expression filled with an eerie sense of satisfaction, "that our paths would cross once more. Did you honestly think, you poor little fool, that you could completely avoid me?
